Premiership winning captain named RLIF International Player of the Year

Just when his year could not get any better, after winning the NRL Premiership, the Origin series with QLD, and the one-off test against New Zealand, all as captain – Cameron Smith has been named the RLIF International Player of the Year.

The award is the highest individual honour one can receive in the NRL, with Smith also winning Hooker of the Year, and was one of seven Australians to be named in the International Team of the Year – with his Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy named Coach of the Year.

Australian referee Ben Cummins also received an award, winning the Col Peace Medal as the best-performed referee in the NRL – resulting in his being named the RLIF International Referee of the Year.

Mr Scott Carter, the Rugby League International Federation Chairman, praised the standards that international rugby league have set, as well as the strength of the Kangaroos side.

â€œAs we look forward to the Rugby League World Cup in the northern hemisphere in 2013, you canâ€™t help but be excited at the talent that will be on display,â€ Mr Carter said.

â€œThe strength of the Australian side at the moment has certainly been reflected in the International Team of the Year and while the Kangaroos will start the World Cup as warm favourites, the competition that exists in international Rugby League will ensure the tournament will be as fascinating as it was in 2008, when New Zealand were crowned the World Champions.â€